Typescript copy of holograph account of a trip to the quicksilver mines of Napa and Lake counties taken by J. R. Smedbergin 1879. In addition to describing some of the early mines, Smedberg describes what he considers to be the first Knox furnace built for the reduction of quicksilver in California. Includes letter from J. W. Johnson to the California Historical Society, dated 20 July 1946, describing the report and photographic copies of portions of the original. Note: Original housed in The Bancroft Library.